Becker Acroma Groundbreaking Ceremony Held

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 5th at the location of Becker Acroma’s first United States-based site in Jeffersonville, which is expected to supply 38 new jobs and $6 million in new capital investment to the area.

Founded in 1874 in Sweden, Becker Acroma is a leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative, high quality solutions and customized systems for the wood finishing industry. While Becker has several customers and plants worldwide, this proposed plant will be the first in the U.S.

“We extend a warm welcome to Becker Acroma officials as they plan to establish operations in Southern Indiana,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “Along with Governor Mitch Daniels, we look forward to assisting them with any future development needs moving forward.”

The new facility is expected to be complete in April 2008 and will house applications laboratory, manufacturing, warehouse and related support positions. Becker Acroma selected Jeffersonville as the site of its newest location following months-long research including a review of six other states.

“Becker Acroma anticipates receiving approval for tax abatement from the City of Jeffersonville with regards to this proposed development,” said Bill Fiorillo, President of Becker Acroma Inc. and Becker Acroma Holdings Corp. “This demonstration of support from the City is one of several steps we must take in order to complete the site location process. One Southern Indiana, the City of Jeffersonville, and the State of Indiana have provided terrific support throughout the process and we look forward to finalizing details soon.”

While business expansion in Southern Indiana was especially fruitful in the 2006-2007 fiscal year with 2,190 new jobs across 15 business expansions in the region, new locations such as these are particularly impactful to the state’s economy.

“Creating an environment that attracts investment from around the world is essential to Indiana’s economic success,” said Nathan Feltman, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “The commitment of Becker Acroma to Indiana is yet another indication that Indiana is becoming the global location of choice for businesses.”

LEFT:  The first shovels of dirt were tossed by area business leaders along with representatives from Becker Acroma in the groundbreaking ceremony.

Pictured left to right: Michael Dalby, President & CEO, One Southern Indiana; Wanda Heath, Indiana Economic Development Corp.; Matt Hall, VP Economic Development, One Southern Indiana; Dan Laplain, Advanced Business Improvements, Inc.; P. Bill Fiorillo, President, Becker Acroma; Mike McGuinnes, Operations Manager, Becker Acroma; Chris Baughman, National Accounts Manager, Becker Acroma; and Michael DiGiulio, Manufacturing Engineer, Becker Acroma.

For job opportunities or more information about Becker Acroma, go to www.BeckerAcroma.com.